This episode of Mavens of Manufacturing didn’t go according to plan.

Originally, Meaghan was scheduled to sit down with Angela Thurman to talk about project management in green technology. But severe storms in Texas knocked out Angela’s power, forcing a last-minute pivot.

Instead of canceling outright, Meaghan stayed live and used the time to share an honest, off-the-cuff update on what’s happening across Mavens of Manufacturing, where the show is headed, and why flexibility is sometimes the most important skill in manufacturing and leadership.

In this solo episode, Meaghan recaps recent travel and conversations from the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston, including discussions around robotics ecosystems, startup support, standards, and regulation.

She also shares highlights from the NPE Plastics Show in Orlando, touching on workforce development, ESG, communications, and culture shifts happening inside manufacturing organizations. Several upcoming interviews and videos are previewed, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Mavens' content comes together.

The episode also serves as a real-time pulse check on what’s coming next—events, interviews, and initiatives that extend beyond content creation. Meaghan talks about upcoming coverage at Rapid TCT in Los Angeles, preparations for IMTS, and the momentum behind the Manufacturing Ally Rally, a multi-day series of conversations focused on inclusion, workforce pipelines, allyship, and redefining roles across manufacturing.

Along the way, Meaghan shares personal reflections on travel, learning, and the value of staying connected to people who are doing the work—on the shop floor, in leadership, and behind the scenes. There’s no script, no polished talking points—just an honest check-in with the Mavens community and a reminder that manufacturing, like life, rarely follows a perfect plan.

Angela Thurman’s episode on project management for green technology will be rescheduled once power is restored, and Meaghan gives a preview of why that conversation is worth the wait—especially for anyone managing complex projects, sustainability initiatives, or cross-functional teams.

If you’re interested in the real work behind manufacturing media, industry events, workforce conversations, and community-building, this episode offers a candid look behind the curtain.